Saramarie Garcia Rivera
Arlington,VA
Summary
Experienced with managing large-scale programs and leading cross-functional teams. Utilizes strategic planning to streamline processes and achieve objectives. Track record of effective stakeholder communication and problem-solving.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Program Manager, Exchange Programs
Global Ties U.S.
01.2023 - Current
- Manage the daily operations of in-person and virtual exchange programs conducted on behalf of the U.S. Department of State and other clients
- Coordinate content development, administration, and evaluation of about 20 custom exchange programs annually, including in-person programs and webinars, for 400+ participants, while overseeing activities
- Directly supervise a team member to ensure the timely planning and completion of all tasks
- Conduct performance reviews to establish goals and increase team productivity
- Work with local-level program partners and member organizations across the United States to meet program objectives, troubleshoot complications, and create meaningful participant experiences
- Recruit and manage subject-matter experts to support program activities
- Collaborate with U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) program staff in Mexico to develop and implement study tours and webinars for grant program
- Generate quarterly performance reports highlighting participant satisfaction and actionable insights for content development improvement
- Streamline financial processes through efficient vendor procurement, resulting in cost optimization
- Created materials to train and onboard new employee on team policies and procedures
- Travel domestically and internationally to implement professional study tours and other training activities
Program Manager, Exchange Programs
Global Ties U.S.
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Designed and implemented more than 22 custom exchange programs annually, serving 400+ participants, with consistently demonstrated post-program knowledge gains
- Oversaw seamless pivot to virtual programs due to global pandemic, expanding annual reach to around 750 participants
- Collaborated with U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) program staff in Mexico to develop and implement study tours and webinars for the Police Professionalization Exchange Program
- Managed all Washington, D.C.-based exchange activities including making professional appointments, organizing lectures, panels, seminars, site visits, workshops, social and cultural activities
- Guided local-level program partners across the United States in creating meaningful participant experiences
- Traveled domestically and internationally for the implementation of professional study tours and other training activities
- Organized and implemented training seminars in Mexico, including logistics and training seminar schedule for around 115 participants
- Collaborated with colleagues in the design and management of other outbound and virtual exchange programs
- Supervised and mentored the team intern in the completion of various tasks for the Exchange Programs team
Senior Program Associate, Exchange Programs
Global Ties U.S.
05.2017 - 01.2019
- Assisted in setting up new procedures regarding logistics, programming, and program implementation for a newly formed team
- Managed administrative and logistical arrangements for groups of 20 international exchange participants visiting the U.S., as well as for program events in the Washington, DC area
- Supported creation and monitoring of program budgets; collected receipts; processed and tracked program expenditures
- Supported program-related communications and social media, including Facebook, writing blog posts, Twitter, among others
- Traveled domestically and internationally for the implementation of professional study tours and other training activities
Program Coordinator, KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP)
Institute of International Education (IIE)
08.2014 - 05.2017
- Managed the application and decision process for 80-100 international students applying to undergraduate programs in the United States
- Ensured the completeness, accuracy, and coordination of document submission while adhering to tight scholarship deadlines
- Trained and supervised two temporary employees as sole full-time employee providing program management for the office
- Created placement resources for students on a variety of topics, including how to complete university applications, excel in admissions interviews, and handle conditional admission
- Advised students regarding the placement process, including essay reviews and document submission
- Liaised between students and universities to ensure that student applications are given full consideration
- Collaborated with university partners to develop and coordinate summer pre-freshman programs for KGSP
- Drafted proposals of programs and summer enrichment options for the client
- Developed student surveys to monitor and evaluate summer programs
- When a position was vacant for four months, performed the work of two employees, including identifying and reporting on research opportunities for students
- Improved the flow of communication and productivity by developing a Quick Base online database to better track program data and eliminate data errors and trained co-workers on its use
Education
MA - International Communication with focus on International Exchanges and Cultural Diplomacy
American University
Washington, DC12.2014
BA - Public Relations and Advertising
University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
San Juan, PR05.2009
Skills
- Content Development
- Scope management
- Program / Project management
- Problem-solving skills
- Office Administration
- Strategic planning
- Detail-oriented
- Proactive mindset
- Process improvements
- Hiring, training, and onboarding
- Staff management
- Critical thinking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Interpersonal skills
- Procurement
- Budget administration
- Teamwork and collaboration
Accomplishments
- Supervised one staff member and interns.
- Collaborated with team of three in the development of various exchange programs.
Additional Information - Technical Skills
- MS office applications
- Google Workspace
- Basecamp
- Submittable
- Adobe Suite
- Salesforce
- Alchemer
- WordPress
- Cvent
- QuickBase
- Oracle CRM
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Program Manager, Exchange Programs
Global Ties U.S.
01.2023 - Current
Program Manager, Exchange Programs
Global Ties U.S.
01.2019 - 01.2023
Senior Program Associate, Exchange Programs
Global Ties U.S.
05.2017 - 01.2019
Program Coordinator, KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP)
Institute of International Education (IIE)
08.2014 - 05.2017
BA - Public Relations and Advertising
University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
MA - International Communication with focus on International Exchanges and Cultural Diplomacy
American University
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